Top 10 Things to do in Denver

Nestled near the edge of the plains with the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, you’ll find plenty to do in the Mile High City. From nature walks to craft brewery tours and art exhibitions, here are the top 10 things to do in Denver.

1. Learn Something New at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Set aside a full day to explore this museum near the heart of Denver. Don some rubber gloves and play in Expedition Health, an interactive exhibit about the human body, before getting a peek at a real Egyptian mummy. Your preschool-aged children can get hands-on in the Discovery Zone, where they’ll learn to observe, inquire, create and communicate—all-important skills for tomorrow’s scientists. No matter what your schedule, you’ll find time to fit in a visit—the museum is open seven days a week, every day of the year except Christmas. There’s always something new, so watch for exciting temporary exhibits, and see them before they’re gone.

2. Make a Splash at Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park

Cool off in the summer at Elitch Gardens, where your whole family can get drenched on water rides and experience the stomach-dropping thrill of rides and coasters. The park’s two-in-one pass covers both the theme park and neighboring water park. Ride the Brain Drain and Mind Eraser coasters before climbing aboard the 100-foot-tall Ferris wheel or the Observation Tower, where you’ll see vistas of Denver and the Rocky Mountains. Don your swim suit and get drenched at the water park, where you’ll find the lazy Castaway Creek, a wave pool and water slides both large and small.

3. Stop and Smell the Flowers at Denver Botanic Gardens

It doesn’t matter if you have a green thumb or just enjoy the beauty of nature; Denver Botanic Gardens provides a quiet sanctuary just 10 minutes from downtown. Vegetation in the seven collections includes desert succulents, alpine plants, native Colorado offerings, aquatic greens and more. Wander through the gardens on your own, or take a guided tour to learn more. Let the kids romp through Mordecai Children’s Garden, a 3-acre interactive area, to learn about nature through play. Collect bugs, stage an impromptu play on the Sagebrush Stage and find aquatic wildlife. WiFi is available, so if you’re visiting Denver for business, take a break from the office and bring your laptop to work amid the flowers and wildlife.

4. Visit the U.S. Mint

Who doesn’t love money? Learn how it’s produced at Denver’s U.S. Mint—one of only four facilities in the country that makes coins. Take a tour Monday through Thursday, but leave your purse or backpack in the car. Understandably, security at the facility is tight. Plan on spending about 45 minutes on the free guided tour, which covers the history of money in the United States and the intricacies of coin production.

5. Catch a Concert at Red Rocks

Musicians often cite Red Rocks as one of the best outdoor venues in the country, and you’ll probably agree. Denver didn’t build Red Rocks alone—nature helped. The gradual movement of huge sandstone ledges created the walls while man removed 25,000 tons of dirt and rocks to create the amphitheater in 1936. Today, singers from Sting to opera stars are showcased in an acoustically perfect venue. Even large-scale yoga classes are held there on some weekends. To visit, take a short 15-mile drive west of Denver to Morrison. Get your tickets well in advance—shows typically sell out.

6. Dive into the Denver Aquarium

Grab a bite to eat while checking out creatures of the sea at the Denver Aquarium. Explore exhibits that showcase North American wildlife, coral reefs and the rain forest. Visit the Shipwreck, Sunken Temple and Beach before meeting a “real” mermaid. No need for coloring books at dinner as kids will dive into a food adventure at the aquarium’s restaurant. Floor-to-ceiling windows make you feel like you’re inside the 50,000-gallon tank full of fish from all over the globe. Catch happy hour at the Dive Lounge, a full-service bar on the first floor.

7. Cool off at the Coors Brewery

Taste a bit of the Rockies at the Coors Brewery in Golden—the largest brewery in the country. Get to Golden via light rail, bus or by driving; it’s only 15 miles from downtown Denver hotels. The 30-minute self-guided tour walks you through the process of Coors brewing and packaging. Top off your visit with the freshest beer you’ve ever tasted in the refrigerated beer room. Sit on ice cube benches as you sip on classic Coors and newer craft brews. Bring your kids—Coors welcomes guests of all ages, but don’t bring a purse or backpack—they’re not allowed inside the brewery.

8. Drive the Mount Evans Scenic Byway

Take a scenic drive on the Mount Evans Scenic Byway—it’s the highest paved road in North America. Block out a full day for this road trip, which takes you 14,264 feet in the air to the summit of Mount Evans. It could be 80 degrees in Denver and 30 at the summit, so bring a jacket. Stretch your legs and enjoy a picnic lunch along the way at Echo Lake. Next head up to Walter Pesman Alpine Garden, where you’ll find bristlecone pines that are more than 1,700 years old. As you continue the 28-mile drive, look out for mountain goats and bighorn sheep. Once you reach the top, you’ll likely spend at least an hour gazing at the Front Range from above the timberline. Want to extend your road trip? Make your way from Denver to Yellowstone National Park.

9. Get Wild at the Buffalo Bill Grave and Museum

Nothing epitomizes the Wild West like Buffalo Bill. He died in 1917 and requested to be buried at Lookout Park, where you can visit his gravesite and learn more about the salty character who traveled the U.S. and Europe with his Wild West Show during the late 1800s. The Buffalo Bill Museum houses old photos, show posters and unique artifacts, such as Bill’s Stetson hat and Sitting Bull’s pipe. Watch several videos that tell the life story of William “Buffalo Bill” Cody, and wander through the exhibits, which include gun collections and Native American artifacts, at your own pace.

10. Feel like a Local at Larimer Square

Hang out with the locals in any city, and you’ll get a feel for what it’s like to live and work there. In Denver, one of the best spots is Larimer Square, the city’s oldest historic block. The vibrant, bustling square is home to retail shops, restaurants, bars and clubs, surrounded by buildings constructed during the Gold Rush of the 1850s. Shop for souvenirs and locally made creations, or linger over a long meal at one of the square’s restaurants. Dress to impress, and check out the local club scene, or just find a bench and people-watch. Larimer Square is located right next to the 16th Street Mall, a mile-long pedestrian mall with more shopping and dining.

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